The University of Akron and much of northeast Ohio are mourning the loss of Jim Dennison, the winningest football coach in the history of both Akron and Walsh University, whose influence extended far beyond the football field.
Dennison passed away Jan. 4, 2026, at the age of 87, following a period of declining health. He was living in Medina at the time of his death and was formerly a longtime resident of Norton.
A 1956 graduate of Wadsworth High School, Dennison’s ties to Wadsworth ran deep. He was born in Lodi, Ohio, and later returned to Wadsworth often throughout his life, including marrying his wife of more than 65 years, Sue Jane Noggle, there in 1960. He remained active in the community, worshipping at Trinity United Church of Christ and later being recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Wadsworth High School.
Dennison devoted nearly five decades to coaching and athletic leadership. At the University of Akron, he served as head football coach from 1973 to 1985, leading the Zips to the 1976 NCAA Division II National Championship game, the program’s first 10-win season, and earning Kodak National Coach of the Year honors. He later became Akron’s athletics director, helping guide the university’s transition to Division I-A football and its move into the Mid-American Conference.
After leaving Akron, Dennison continued his legacy at Walsh University, where he helped build the football program from the ground up. Over 18 seasons as head coach, he led the Cavaliers to 14 winning seasons and compiled a 119-77 record. Across 31 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Dennison finished with 208 career wins.
Known for his guiding philosophy of PMA — Positive Mental Attitude, Dennison was widely respected as a mentor, educator, and leader. He was inducted into 13 Halls of Fame, including the University of Akron Alumni Hall of Fame and the Varsity “A” Club, and was named AFCA Coach of the Year in 1976.
Outside of football, Dennison enjoyed horse racing and was the owner of several Standardbred racehorses. Above all, family remained central to his life. He is survived by his wife Sue, four children, ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Jan. 8 at Auble-Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home in Wadsworth. Funeral services are scheduled for Jan. 9 at The Chapel in Wadsworth, with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial contributions be made to The Jim and Sue Dennison Scholarship at the University of Akron, supporting future generations of student-athletes, a cause that reflects Dennison’s lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and opportunity.
